Developers are instructed to recompile their applications for ARM64 or ARM64EC (Emulation Compatible). Current Compatibility Matrix Application Type Execution Type Status on Windows 10 on ARM ARM64 Native Direct Execution Fully Supported (Recommended) ARM32 UWP Direct Execution Supported (Legacy) ARM32 Desktop (Win32) Direct Execution Deprecated / Phased Out x86 (32-bit Intel) Fully Verified & Supported x64 (64-bit Intel) Limited to late Windows 10 builds / Windows 11 6. Summary for Users and Developers

Windows 10 on ARM64 can run 32-bit ARM (ARM32) applications natively without emulation, as the hardware remains backward compatible at the instruction level. 3. Key Limitations

This is a stripped-down, non-desktop version of Windows compiled purely as a 32-bit ARM OS.

These programs must be explicitly rewritten and verified for ARM64 to function. 3. Hyper-V and Virtualization

: You cannot use x86 drivers; peripherals must have native ARM64 drivers to function.

Installing Windows 10 ARM on Surface RT 1 (+ First Impresions)

2. Where to Find "Verified" Apps: Windows on Arm Ready Software

Qualcomm operates a public “Works on Windows on Arm” listing that tracks verified applications. As of early 2026, the program includes:

Just remember:

: Windows 10 on ARM can run unmodified 32-bit (x86) Win32 apps like Adobe Reader. However, it generally does not support 64-bit (x64) apps unless you use a late Insider Preview build.